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Retail

Cook, Fast Food

Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.

Annual openings

994

Median wage

$36,900

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+2%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Prepare specialty foods, such as pizzas, fish and chips, sandwiches, or tacos, following specific methods that usually require short preparation time.
  2. Operate large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, deep-fat fryers, or griddles.
  3. Wash, cut, and prepare foods designated for cooking.
  4. Clean food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.
  5. Clean, stock, and restock workstations and display cases.
  6. Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
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